John Litvack

John A. Litvack (May 25, 1945 – March 21, 2015) was an American television producer and media executive who was head of scheduling and programming for The WB network and earlier was an executive at CBS, NBC, MGM Television and Walt Disney Television. He was called the "dean of current programming".

Early life and education Litvack was born in Newton, Massachusetts, on May 25, 1945. He received a bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 1966.

He worked his way up in the network, becoming a director of television soap operas, including The Edge of Night, The Guiding Light, As the World Turns, and Search for Tomorrow, becoming director of daytime programs for CBS from 1975 to 1978. He was credited for credited with helping innovate the look of soap operas by making them look more cinematic. During that time, he oversaw the production of Dawson's Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 7th Heaven, Charmed, Felicity, Popular, Everwood and Smallville. He was credited by Variety for mentoring J. J. Abrams, Joss Whedon, Greg Berlanti on how to run television series.

Litvack was a co-executive producer of Hill Street Blues, Smallville, and consulting producer of Fringe.

Personal life Litvack was the father of Cameron Litvack. He died on March 21, 2015, following surgery complications at age 69.